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Bishop Montfort Stima of Diocese of Nzekokere in Malawi urges Catholics in the diocese to consider bringing the word of God into their families and lives as a way of expressing their gratitude for the graces God has ushered on them in their lifelong.

Little children! Demand from your parents and guardians for the word of God to be brought into your homes. Parents make an effort to own the book of the sacred scriptures in your homes. Read the ‘word’, listen to it, reflect of it share with your members in the family and most of all demonstrate that the word of God is the living word. Let your lives be transformed. Own the Bible”. Bishop Stima said.

On December 1st 2019 was first Sunday of advent. Traditionally, the marks the beginning of a brand new liturgical year. For a number of years, the Catholic has been dedicating day for those affected by and victims of AIDS. This year, the theme for World AIDS Day is “Communities Make a Difference.” In response to the plea of the episcopal conference of Malawi, particular dioceses celebrated the two events congruently so that all will be healthy in spirit and in body and make a substantial difference in fighting against the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities and country.

In Diocese of Nzekokere, multitudes of Catholics covered a kilometre distance in procession with the Book of the Sacred Scriptures from Nzekokere Stadium to St. Augustine Cathedral where a High Mass was celebrated with Bishop Montfort Stima as president.

In an interview with Radio Maria journalist, John Chapola, Bishop Stima said that ‘The year of the Word of God’ is celebrated under the theme ‘The word of God is the path of my life’ psalm 101: 135. In the year the Christians are encouraged to participate in outlined activities related to the word of God which are scheduled systematically and in reflection of the seasons of the year. The church will also provide for study lessons, materials, trainings and many more in its pastoral calendar which will work as aids in trying to achieve the pastoral goals for the bible year.

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Story by Luke Chimwaza

(Correspondent)

…’marry your profession to your faith’, says Bishop Stima

Members of the Association of Catholic JournaHsts (ACJ) in the country have been urged, to play a prophetic role through  responsible reporting.

The call was made last Saturday by Bishop Chairman responsible for communications at the Episcopal Conference ch of Malawi (ECM), Bishop si Montfort Stima when he or opened ACJ’s three-day annual c general meeting (AGM) at re James Chiona High School in P Blantyre.

Bishop Stima, who also heads  Nzekokere Diocese, reiterated that freedom of expression or press is an important index for v the health of the country.

‘Always remember that God entrusted you with a noble task—the duty of a journalist. You should always strive to protect this country by s remaining professional in your work. The church commends your ek work for tirelessly reporting on many social and spiritual work the ecclesiastical community does in Malawi,” he said.

In emphasising the power of the press, the bishop quoted St John Paul II, who said: “The g church is on your [journalists] side, whether you’re a Christian or not, you always find in the church the just e^teerh and ^ recognition of the freedom of I press.”

On his part, newly elected A.CJ president, George Kasakula hailed Catholic journalists in the country for their unity, which he attributed to the e growth of the association in the past four years.

He said the new leadership wants to make ACJ more vibrant by increasing both its financial ! status through fundraising, and membership nationwide.

Other key officer bearers elected during the AGM, whose theme was ‘From Social _ U Media Communities to Human Community’, are Sam Kalimba ^ (vice-president), Pilirani | Tambala (secretary general). Blazio Liyao (treasurer general) and Josephine Chinele B (publicity secretary)

During the elective AGM, the journalists were taken through various issues,including how to I grow the profession alongside their faith.

Rev. Fr. Francis Tambala Archdiocese, who iss among j those that made presentations, expounded on the’ AGM’s theme in relation to the role of ; the media.

Later, national coordinator for the Pontifical Mission Society at ECM, Father Vincent Mwakhwawa, reminded the journalists on their role in –■. Evangelism. ■

Story by Luke Chimwaza
(Correspondent)

Ulongwe Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Nzekokere commemorated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, 3th August, 2019 amid pomp and colour.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the diocese’s the diocese’s Bishop Montfort Stima –‘ congratulated Ulongwe parishioners for their support towards the growth of the parish. He, however, advised them to develop a spirit of self-reliance to realise true development of the 1 parish.

“Missionaries built these parish structures long ago, we now have the duty to sustain them, We need to renovate where necessary and considering that the church is growing fast, we have to construct new and modern structure; hence, the need for self-reliance,” said the bishop.

He then urged the parishioners to thank God for the priests and nuns the parish has produced since its establishment.

Among dignitaries attending the celebration was Bishop Emeritus Emeritus for Nzekokere, Alessandro Pagani.

Ulongwe Parish initially started as an out station of Utale I Parish in 1919, when was under :ese, until Zomba diocese, until 1961 when, upon establishing St Louis. Montfort (Balaka Parish), Ulongwe Catholic church ? became jits outstation, and attained parish status in 1968 with , ^ Montfort Missionaries Montfort Missionaries as its first parish priest.

Meanwhile, Ulongwe Parish, which is in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalembo in Balaka has institutions that include pastoral centre, preparatory , a catholic private primary school, health centre, early childhood development centre and a convent ■

In an interview with Events Team Chairperson for Diocese of Nzekokere, Mr. John Ghocho, he told our reporter that July 6 2019 shall remain a historic day for the Catholic community in the Diocese of Nzekokere and Fr. Daniel in particular.

“The event affirms that Fr. Daniel is  a very senior priest. He comes 7th to turn the silver medal in local presbyterium of 65 ministers in the diocese. He hence deserves a mantle of faithful service and just just one of excellency,” Ghocho said.

Ghocho also added that the event is of more significance considering that Fr Daniel stands out a mentor to junior priests and those in fomation because he has been a man of a principled style of life.

‘I am pretty sure that the occasion is an inspiration for some youths to consider serving God through priestly vocation.” Ghocho added.

In his sermon, Bishop Montfort Stima mentioned health recall of past experiences, celebrating priesthood as God’s grace and renewal of clerical vows as three fundamental elements calling for celebration of Fr. Daniel 25 priestly years. However, he said that in 25 years, Fr. Kaliapa lived by the priestly values and for this he has been an example of a simple, happy and dedicated priest.

“God calls men to serve Him as priests not because they qualify in any other way. He call humanity to serve Him for the salvation of all. None of our qualities grants one mandate to minister as a priest. None of us deserves what he is, yet we are all worth what are as ordained ministers in and of his Church.” Bishop Stima proclaimed.

 “Like any other priest, who ought to help people get closer to God through evangelization, celebrations of Masses and administering of sacraments in accordance to the principles to the Catholic Church, Fr. Daniel needs prayers to execute his duties faithfully.  I urge you to unceasingly pray for all ordained ministers.” He added.

In a speech made to congregants which began with a ‘thanksgiving hymn’ led by him, Fr. Daniel was so humble to acknowledge that priesthood is God’s given gift. Hence, he thanked God for the gift of priesthood. Fr. Daniel also remembered to thank all individuals that reached out to him with support in 25 years of service. However, he petitioned for more support and prayers so as to serve God and people more faithfully.

Fr. Daniel Piyo Kaliapa hails from Mbanila Village in Nsanama Parish in Machinga District.

In 1983, little Daniel found himself in the corridors of Nakhunda Minor Seminary in Zomba. After his secondary school education,  he joined Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and later St. Peter’s Senior Seminary in Zomba

He was ordained deacon in 1993 by Bishop of Diocese of Zomba, Rt. Rev Allan Changwera. On July 6th, 1994, Bishop Alessandro Assolari of Diocese of Nzekokere ordained him a priest at St. Augustine Cathedral.

As an ordained minister, Fr. Daniel has served at Kapire, Utale II, Namalaka, Utale I, Mpiri Parishes. He has also been to St. John the Baptist Major Seminary and St. Paul the Apostle Seminary as an educator and formator. Currently, Fr. Daniel is parochial vicar of Nankhumba Parish.

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These I also must lead…” (Jn. 10:16) is the motto that had kept driving Fr. Daniel Piyo Kaliapa for 25 years in his ministerial life

With a symbolic knock on the front door and a procession led by Bishop Montfort Stima, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church of Katema Parish officially opened its church building after years of hands on. A couple of hundreds parishioners and guests attended  the three hour dedication mass presided by Bishop Stima on June 25th.

The new church building that serves Kapako Outchurch is the culmination of years of struggle and hard work by both the diocesan administration and parishioners of Kapako.

In his adress after the dedication Holy Mass, Fr. Kizito Khauya, pastor of Katema Parish, implored the the faithful and entire community to take care of the new Church structure for it stand as a dedicated prayer hiuse and a development asset in the area.

“Kapako’s face is brighter because of this special building meant solely for prayer. Take good care of it”.  Fr. Kizito said.

He also reminded the faith community of God’s love. “YOU ARE LOVED.” “All that we see is evidence of God’s love, and thus what the bishop said thru and the his sermon. LOVE”.

In his homily at mass, Bishop Stima called on the faithful to se God’s active hand in what they experience.

“God is love,” the bishop said, focusing on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which will be offered on the consecrated altar. “Here we taste and see the goodness of the love of Christ.”

“It is Christ who will baptize, who will inspire to faithful living, who will make faith part of marriages and families. It is Christ who will renew hope among the community,” the bishop said.

“You don’t build a church like this unless you love God,” the bishop added. The Bishop also called for the attention of congregation to look up at themselves as God’s dedicated temples and sanctifying vessels of His Holy Church.

“God is asking you today to build more than a physical building in your hearts,”  I challenge you today to reach out to fallen away Catholics, and those that still don’t share the faith that together we continue to build up the church in Kapako.  Procreating is not the way of build a church in 2019.  Self sanctifyication is all we need to turn people’s hearts to God and be sacred temples ourselves. Thus a temple of humility, a temple of reverence, a temple of respect, a temple that reminds us that no matter where you turn, that reminds us of God.” “It is splendid; it is glorious.” The bishop said.

St. Peters – Kapako Church was established 60 years ago and has a populaton of  900 Catholics. The new church is its first permanent worship space with a capacity of  padded seating for 1200 congregants.

]]> http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/news-design-media-magazine/be-centres-of-moral-excellence-bishop-stima-urges-catholic-schools/ Sat, 15 Jun 2019 21:38:19 +0000 http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/?p=7478 BE CENTRES OF MORAL EXCELLENCE, BISHOP STIMA URGES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Read More »

By Bartholomew Boaz

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Nzekokere have been urged to strive to become centres of moral excellence where children can learn Christian values.  

His Lordship Bishop Montfort Stima made the call recently when he toured some Catholic schools within Balaka parish in the diocese.

Speaking when he addressed students and teachers at Andiamo Secondary school, Bishop Stima said it is very important to instill prayer life, spiritual life as well as discipline among the learners for them to grow with Christian values.

Bishop Stima asked teachers to be exemplary to their learners. “You have a crucial role to play in the spiritual and moral growth of your students,” he said. 

During Holy Mass, he celebrated at the institution; Bishop Stima encouraged the young learners to join different vocations.

“Consider joining priesthood and sisterhood in order to serve the Church not only think of going into marriage. We need more priests and sisters in our Church,” he emphasized.

Bishop Stima, who was accompanied by diocesan Patoral Secretary Father Medric Mlava also visited Bakhita Primary and Secondary schools and St Charles Lwanga Secondary School.

“These are routine pastoral visits that His Lordship Bishop Stima conducts every year in all parishes of the diocese. He does this to appreciate developments that take place in the diocese and interact with people,” said Father Mlava.

Father Mlava said the Bishop has, since January, visited several parishes within the diocese.

During the Balaka visit, Bishop Stima also toured media houses such as Luntha Television and Montfort Media, publishers of The Lamp and Together magazines as well as Mkwaso newspapers.

]]> http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/news-design-media-magazine/let-us-invest-in-evangelisation-bishop-stima-urges/ Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:14:02 +0000 http://www.dioceseofNzekokere.org/?p=7488 ”LET US INVEST IN EVANGELISATION” Bishop Stima urges Read More »

]]> By Joseph Kayira

Bishop of the Diocese of Nzekokere, His Lordship Montfort Stima, has urged church institutions to invest in evangelization as a focal point for encouraging Catholics to take part in activities of the diocese which in the long run can help to expand the scope of the church’s work in a diocese he described “as the most privileged when it comes to communication work”.

Bishop Stima made the call on Thursday June 13 on his familiarization tour of church institution in Balaka where among others he visited Montfort Media, Luntha Television, Andiamo Youth Cooperative and secondary schools that are under the Diocese of Nzekokere.

Speaking when he visited Montfort Media, a printing and publishing house which complements the Catholic Church in the work of evangelization, Bishop Stima said through modest investment, the church can greatly improve in its pastoral work.

“You publish books, magazines and newspapers at Montfort Media. You are doing commendable work despite the challenges. Challenges are everywhere. Just like many other institutions of the Catholic Church you need to invest to achieve your goals. You will recall that politicians invested a lot to get elected in the May 21 Tripartite Elections. Of course, some are crying but others are smiling because their investments reaped the desired fruits. We should be doing the same if we are realise our goals,” Bishop Stima said.

Bishop Stima said it was also imperative that Montfort Media should embark on research and evaluation of its operations as one way of improving for the better.

He added: “The questions you should be asking could be: are we achieving our goals in mission? How sure are you that what you are publishing is being read out there? Such questions should be part of the evaluation, which I feel ought to be carried out regularly. Also think about creating incentives for the people you serve. It could boost your sales.”

Father Piergiorgio Gamba, managing director of Montfort Media said Montfort Media was poised to come close where people are through its different publications including – The Lamp magazine, Together youth magazine and Mkwaso newspaper.

Fr Gamba said while the company was struggling to make ends meet it would continue to evangelize and proclaim the beauty and joy of sharing the Good News through different publications it publishes.

He hailed Montfort Fathers for taking up the challenge of evangelization beyond “job and business to a charisma.”

“We are committed to a mission. Just was the case with the 1992 Pastoral Letter ‘Living Our Faith’ we are committed to living our desire of knowledge. Through the work that we publish we aim to get closer to the people with knowledge,” Father Gamba said.

General Manager of Montfort Media, Father Blaise Jailosi said the harsh business and economic environment has forced the company to make reposition itself.

“The challenges are many but we believe that through proper planning and partnerships we will deliver. We are already adjusting to make sure that we survive the harsh realities in the ground. With support from partners we can get there,” he said.

Montfort Media publishes three inhouse publications – The Lamp, Together and Mkwaso. The media house also publishes different books on education, religion, agriculture, health and social issues, just to mention a few.

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The day, 8^th June 2019, was well decorated at St. Paul the Apostle Seminary in Nzekokere as the seminarians and staff were celebrating the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul in anticipation. The feast normally falls on 29^th June every year. This anticipation was made to include the graduation of the form fours and the launch of the strategic plan of the SPAS Alumni Association. 

The activities of the day started will Holy mass which was presided by His Lordship Montfort Stima and concelebrated with the priest-staff and priest-alumni. Emphasising on the need to emulate Peter and Paul in their mission and death, Stima encouraged the seminarians and all present to be courageous disciples of the Lord. He also implored the parents to help their children discern about their vocation, encouraging them to listen to the call of the Lord to become priests. He finally dedicated the form fours to the Lord so that He may help them as they start their examinations.

Later in the day, the alumni had their Annual General Meeting. Led by their chairperson, Mr. Rick Chikwekwe, the meeting had as its main objective presenting plans for the next year and presenting to the members the strategic plan. The strategic plan was then launched by his Lordship Bishop Stima in the seminary’s recreation hall in the presence of the alumni, parents and students. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Chikwekwe expressed joy at the realisation of the dream to have this strategic plan. “We do not want that the SPAS Alumni Association move like a headless chicken, we want to be focused and realise more dreams through this strategic plan”, said Mr. Chikwekwe with great satisfaction.

The strategic plan has goals which include enhancing the image of SPAS, students’ basic academic requirements and welfare, resources mobilisation, widening membership base and networking. The alumni have in the past years been involved in so many activities for example, buying books, mattresses and in this year, they are renovating the kitchen and refectory and have bought benches for the students’ refectory to the cost of 3.8 million kwacha.

St. Paul the Apostle Seminary was opened in 1985 and has an alumni base of over 1000 but only about 100 of them are active in the association. However, even with that small number, the seminary is appreciative of the support that the alumni render to the seminary and even to the diocese. As it has been stated in the strategic plan efforts will be made to have as more active members as possible so that the contributions for the support of the seminary may also increase.

As the Poverelle Sisters of the Catholic Church commemorated 150 years of existence on May 26, 2019, Bishop Montfort Stima of Diocese of Nzekokere has pleaded with families to consider dedicating sons and daughters to priesthood and sisterhood respectively.

Bishop Stima made the call on Sunday at St Charles Lwangwa in Kankao Parish where Poverelle sisters in Malawi commemorated 150 years.

It is not convincing to see that there are only 14 Poverelle Sisters despite being in the country for over 35 years.

I would like to urge parents to dedicate their daughters to the Lord and pray for their success throughout the journey,” said Bishop Stima.

The Bishop commended the Poverelle sisters for uplifting lives of the underprivileged in society through education, health and special needs care among others.

Sister Barbara Bhima who is the delegate for Poverelle sisters in Malawi and Kenya says they are geared to continue showing a face of love for the hopeless people who think all is lost.

She said:- “We are committed to continue taking care of the vulnerable society in our communities by showing them God’s love wherever possible.”

The Poverelle Sisters is a brainchild of an Italian wealthy R

oman Catholic priest Luigi Palazzolo, who in the year 1869 asked sister Teresa Gabrielli to take care of a poor-sick child resulting into formation of Poverelle sisters. 

Poverelle sisters came to Africa in 1952 first in Zaire (now Democratic republic of Congo), then Ivory Coast in 1974 and Malawi in 1983.

Bishop Alessandro Assolari of Diocese of Nzekokere  then, asked the Poverelle sisters to come to St Charles Lwangwa parish Kankao- Balaka, to take care of children with disabilities.

They have to date opened other formations in Mikoke in Ntcheu and Matumba in Dedza under the diocese of Dedza.

Poverelle sisters have constructed several community hospitals and schools among other developments.

‘HERE IAM SEND ME’ this is what the Seminarians of Kachebere Major Seminary were singing as the first years had their Cassocks blessed. The Church looked colourful when those who entered the church in trousers and shirts dressed their Cassocks immediately after the Bishop blessed them.

It was on 25^th May, 2019 when the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima presided over the Eucharistic cerebration where the Seminary saw 78 young men (the first years) got their Cassocks blessed.

In his homily the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima expounded that the Seminarians should carry their cross and follow Christ.  He also lamented that some deliberately choose to drag their cross and some touch the cross pretending to carry it. When we carry the cross with enthusiasm, zeal, hope and Faith in the Lord without turning back, we will be successful in our mission.

The Dean of students encouraged his fellow seminarians to be focused and to trust in God no matter how bumpy and rough the road might be.

In his speech the vice Rector Rev. Fr. Enock Kanjira indicated that the first years came in a large number totaling to 81 hence the seminary decided to extend their waiting period in order to know them much better.

In his speech the Rt. Rev. Bishop Montfort Stima encouraged the Seminarians to realize their call and follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ responsibly. He also reminded the Seminarians that their Bishops and Archbishops are working day and night to raise funds to pay for their studies. “Some Bishops attend Church organized dinner and dance to raise some funds, learn to appreciate and be committed to your studies. We expect you to inspire other young men especially when you go for pastoral experience in different parishes” the bishop strongly emphasized. 

Kachebere Major Seminary celebrates cassocks day annually where the cassocks for the first years are blessed and given to them as a liturgical attire.